SEMH Unit Lead Teacher - Juniper Hill School
Location: Flackwell Heath
Overview
We are seeking an enthusiastic, experienced teacher to join our Juniper team from April 2026 or September 2026 (depending on availability), to lead our SEMH (Social, Emotional and Mental Health) Unit ,The Nest, for 12 pupils who have experienced emotional trauma. The role is a permanent full-time post with salary on Upper Scale + SEN point.
We are looking for a smiley happy teacher; someone who is committed, understanding and caring. A teacher who puts relationships at the heart of their teaching.
Salary type: UPS
Salary Details: UP3 + SEN Point
Contract type: Permanent
Hours: Full-time
Closing date: 05/02/2026
Interviews to be held: 10/02/2026
About us
Juniper Hill is a happy, thriving, 2 form entry Primary School set in the village of Flackwell Heath, Buckinghamshire. The school prides itself on being kind, caring and nurturing. We value and respect all members of our school community.
We strive for academic excellence. Our goal is for each pupil to thrive during their years with us and develop into confident, creative, independent learners who are ready for secondary education.
The Nest is an additional unit that sits alongside the main school and is designed for up to twelve pupils across the primary age range. All pupils have an EHCP, with a primary need of SEMH.
Website: www.juniperhill.bucks.sch.uk
About the role
The lead teacher will be responsible for planning and teaching with an explicit focus on social and emotional needs to ensure the statutory requirements of the pupils EHCP’s are met. They will work collaboratively with others to develop effective, professional relationships. This will include working with the associated therapists and external specialists to ensure high quality provision that enables the pupils to thrive. A member of the leadership team, you will contribute to the strategic direction of provision within the Nest. We care about your wellbeing and will be considerate of your workload. We will provide full training and support including the opportunity to train as an Attachment Lead, complete DDP training and PACE training.
You would have the opportunity to embrace outdoor learning and go out on trips and visits. All of our children have Forest School lessons in our school Orchard. If you are interested, the school will support you gain a Forest School Leader qualification.
About you
The successful candidate will need to be calm, nurturing, self-aware and able to regulate their own emotions. They will need to be prepared to work hard, and have the strength of character to come to school with a smile, even during the harder times. The right person will have a good understanding of the EYFS framework and National Curriculum, be creative in differentiating lessons and passionate about supporting pupils who have experienced emotional trauma. We value diversity and you will be expected to support our SMSC & D (Spiritual, Moral, Social, Cultural and Diversity) provision. The children have expressed that they would like a kind person who can play with them and help them manage their big feelings.
Please see the attached Candidate's Pack for more detailed person requirements.
Other information
If you would like any more information, want to arrange a visit or have an informal conversation with our Headteacher or member of the leadership team, please contact our school business manager, Luisa Davis.
Please send completed application forms to the email address below.
Tel No: 01628 523536
Email: [email protected]
Juniper Hill School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. The school expects all staff to share that commitment. Successful candidates will be subject to enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references. Online searches will be carried out as part of our diligence checks on shortlisted candidates prior to interview.
This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore applicants are required to declare:
- All unspent convictions and conditional cautions
- All spent convictions and adult cautions that are not protected (i.e. that are not filtered out) as defined by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended in 2020).
For further information on filtering please refer to Nacro guidance and the guidance issued by the Ministry of Justice (see, in particular, the section titled ‘Exceptions Order’).
It is an offence to apply for the role if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children. All shortlisted applicants will be required to complete self-disclosure form and return prior to interview.
